Candidate Name: Amanda Greenfield
Position Sought: Councillor
Email: greenfieldamanda4council@gmail.com
Phone: 705-791-9692
Bio:
Born and Raised in the former St. Vincent Township, community advocate and lifelong believer that the power of residents working together makes our community stronger. I am proud of my deep roots (dating back to the 1850’s). I am ready to help build the Municipality’s future with my forward thinking.
My community involvement began early on; while participating in Junior Farmers, Dance, and Recreational sports: Coaching Competitive Soccer. Further, I support rural lifestyles through agriculture and conservation. Celebrating community spirit with my involvement with Service Clubs- volunteering as a Kinette and Tutoring. My academia and experiences in Healthcare, Education and Research strengthens my ability to listen, research issues, build relationships and approach complex questions with an open mind.
I care deeply about protecting what makes our Entire Municipality special — our water, rural character, agricultural lands, natural environment, local businesses, arts and festivals elevate the strong sense of community — while ensuring we have the infrastructure, housing and economic opportunities needed for next generations. My wish is to incorporate my positive memories into our future.
I believe good municipal leadership means listening before deciding, asking difficult questions, respecting taxpayers, working collaboratively with Council and staff, and being accountable to residents- keeping them informed.
Explain your primary reasons for your decision to seek election to Meaford council:
I am seeking election because I love my “home” community. I am running for Council because I believe our municipality needs thoughtful, informed leadership that respects our roots while preparing confidently for the future.
We are at an important crossroads. We have an opportunity to grow thoughtfully, strengthen our communities and protect the qualities that make people proud to live, work, play, retire and stay. Our lifestyle is worth protecting.
I want to bring a fresh perspective to Council while respecting the knowledge and experience within our community. I will bring a strong, sensible voice to the council room—prepared, constructive and representing our residents. I will listen carefully, ask difficult questions and make evidence-based decisions, keeping the public interest, safety and our rural character at the forefront.
I am particularly motivated to balance growth with infrastructure capacity, fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. Development should strengthen our Municipality rather than place unsustainable pressures on roads, water, wastewater, natural resources, municipal services and your pocketbooks.
I want rural and urban residents, families, seniors, young people, farmers, businesses and community organizations to know their voices matter. I will keep the public informed.
My role on Council is about building a resilient, connected and financially responsible municipality where people can afford to live, businesses can succeed, our environment is protected, and future generations can thrive. A lifestyle worth protecting!!
In your view, what should be the top priorities for the council that is elected on October 26?
1. Infrastructure: Build It Right (the first time), Bill It Right.
Maintain roads, bridges, water, wastewater, drainage and culverts on a continuous schedule. Growth must be infrastructure-led, protecting taxpayers from poorly timed costs. Support attainable housing, agriculture and our hard-working farming sector while ensuring growth is matched with services and community necessities.
2. Fiscal Responsibility and Value for Taxpayers.
Treat every tax dollar as if it came from our own household. We need disciplined budgets, transparency, responsible debt management and careful capital planning, pursuing grants and partnerships wherever possible.
3. Communication and Accountability.
It starts with listening. Residents deserve responsive Municipal staff, returned calls, answered emails and open dialogue. Council decisions should be informed by evidence, public input and discussion and decissions made at the Council table—NOT predetermined.
4. Protect Our Water, Environment and Rural Character.
Our natural environment and resources are among our greatest assets that support tourism and quality of life. Projects affecting them require sound evidence, meaningful engagement and strong environmental safeguards.
5. Grow Local. Support Local. Thrive Together.
Strengthen downtown businesses, agriculture, tourism, recreation, culture and opportunities for families and youth. Explore partnerships with neighbouring municipalities for recreation facilities, fields, trails, parks, arts/festivals and cultural initiatives.
My guiding principle: Protect what makes us special while preparing responsibly for what comes next. Deep Roots. Forward Thinking.
Explain the role of a Councillor as you understand it:
A Councillor’s job is to serve ALL citizens from our entire municipality, not a particular neighbourhood, interest group or single issue.
The role requires listening to residents, understanding the information provided by professional municipal staff, and asking pertinent questions- that is not to say my vote will necessarily please everyone, but I will consider different perspectives and make decisions in the best interests of the municipality as a whole.
Council establishes policies, sets priorities, approves budgets and provides direction, while municipal staff — led by the CAO — are responsible for administration and implementing Council’s decisions.
A strong Councillor must therefore be prepared to do much more than attend meetings. The position requires reading reports, understanding financial implications, participating on committees and boards, engaging with residents and working constructively with fellow members.
I also believe a Councillor must be willing to make difficult decisions. Leadership is having the courage to examine the evidence, understand the trade-offs and make responsible decisions for the long-term health of our Municipality.
Above all, I would see the position as a public trust. Residents deserve accessibility, transparency, respect and accountability from their elected representatives.
My commitment would be simple: listen carefully, do the homework, ask the hard questions, work collaboratively and protect our long-term interests continuously through effective and efficient governance.
